On her 50th birthday, Alejandra Alvarado (E02) ran 50 miles to celebrate and to give back to EDGE.
Completed in January, the run was both a personal milestone and her act of fundraising. Inspired by the idea of reaching 100,000 steps in a day, which is roughly 50 miles, Alejandra turned her birthday goal into an opportunity to support the community that she loves. “This was a great opportunity to combine two of my passions: long distance running and supporting the EDGE program,” she said.
Fifty miles is no small feat, but Alejandra did not run alone. Her daughter joined her for the first half, and a few friends arrived from out of town to run alongside her, supporting her every step of the way.
Alejandra first participated in the EDGE Summer Program in 2002 while navigating the challenges of graduate school. When she later faced an important moment in her academic path, it was the EDGE community that helped her find a new way, which led her to complete her PhD. “If it was not for the EDGE community, I don’t know what I would have done… and what journey I would have taken,” she reflected.
More than 20 years later, that experience is still impactful to her. She returned to the program as a graduate mentor (2006), local co-coordinator (2016), and instructor, and keeps in touch with many of the women from her cohort. For her, what makes EDGE special is not just the mathematics, but the community with support, shared experiences, and lasting relationships. She encourages incoming EDGErs to embrace everything the program has to offer: “Make the most of those four weeks. It’s a safe space. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
An avid runner, Alejandra is now working toward completing a marathon in every U.S. state, and she has just four left. We wish her the best of luck!
